Star Tissue acquired by German hygiene group

Blackburn-based paper products manufacturer Star Tissue has been acquired by WEPA Professional for an undisclosed sum.

WEPA Professional, a hygiene and washroom specialist, is part of the WEPA Group, a family business headquartered in Germany operating 13 European production sites.

Founded in 2003 as a family business, Star Tissue has grown to become one of the UK's leading independent manufacturers of hygiene paper products. The Blackburn site, with 130 employees, produces a wide range of high-quality tissue products, including the Sirius, Bliss, Kleenall and Softelle brands.

Star Tissue holds significant market position with three state-of-the-art fully automated converting lines, a warehouse and modern office space.

Following to the acquisition, customers will benefit from an expansion of the product portfolio and an international production network of the WEPA Group in the UK and at 12 other locations in Europe.

The new owners say that customers and partners can expect business as usual, with Khalid Saifullah remaining as managing director. Star Tissue, however, will now trade as WEPA Professional UK.

Andreas Krengel, CEO business unit professional of the WEPA Group, said: "WEPA stands for the production of high-quality tissue paper, and the UK market is strategically important for us. We are delighted to continue the impressive growth of Star Tissue with managing director Khalid Saifullah and his team as WEPA Professional UK."